The second semi-final of the Champions League should be just as interesting as the clash between Manchester City and Real Madrid. There will be just as much intrigue at Anfield as at the Etihad. A lot of attention will be focused on dark horse Villarreal. The team has beaten very strong opponents in the previous stages of the tournament, so the Liverpool players should be preparing for a big battle.

Liverpool are currently playing the best level of football in England and probably the best on the continent. They have now played seven games in April, having reached the quarter-finals of the Champions League, won and drawn against Manchester City in two domestic competitions, smashed Manchester United at home and defeated Everton in the Merseyside derby. Certainly, Jurgen Klopp's side approach the first leg of the Champions League semi-final in high spirits and confidence. Importantly, in Sunday's encounter with Everton, the Reds rehearsed the encounter ahead as their opponents played as defensively as possible, resulting in an 83%-17% possession difference.

Villarreal have not been at their best in the domestic championships this season, but in the Champions League the club is excellent. In the group stage, Villarreal's opponents were not the strongest, but in the play-offs, they have already shown their worth in making it this far. Villarreal beat Juventus in the first match, scoring three unanswered goals in Turin, and pulled off an even bigger win in the quarter-finals, knocking out Bayern Munich. Villarreal have also won their last league games, so it is clear that they are in good form.

The roles of the opponents are clear before the match. The home team will play dominant with relentless attacking, the away team will play defensively with the hope of a quick counterattack. Both teams know their strengths, so it's a good bet that each will score at least one goal.